Bruises 2

Bruises
What is it?
*Bruise- is a contusion, small blood vessels under the skin tear/rupture
-blood seeps inside the surrounding tissue, causes the dark color of the bruise
Treatment:
*Ice/Cold Pack- for 10-12 minutes, 2-3 times daily for first 48 hours
-helps blood vessels constrict, reduce
-less blood- if apply ice pack immediately
*Elevate- above the level of the heart, blood leaves area, less bleeding
*Hurting after 48 hours- apply warm towels, heating pad, hot water bottle,
hot rice pillow
Facts:
*Develops- after a bruise, fall, bump, after blood is drawn
-bruise easier if taking- aspirin, blood thinners/anticoagulants
*Women- more prone to bruise than men on thighs, upper arms, buttocks
-bruising can run in families, have MD check your platelets
-something may be wrong with the blood clotting elements
*Geriatric people- more prone to bruising, fragile blood vessels, thinner skin
What can I do?
*See your Physician immediately- if a hard blow to head, face, or eye
-MRI scans- show physical damage to the brain
(MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
*Cerebral contusions- bruises on the brain, strong blow to the head
*Cerebral lacerations- torn brain tissue, head wounds, skull fractures
-more serious than concussions
*See RD for help as needed
*See FFF RD on line for help